Apr 8, 2013

On 8 April 2013, UNICEF reports on the progress made by the Association of Support in the Development of Activities of Population (ASDAP) on malnutrition in Mali. ASDAP is a UNICEF partner NGO focused on teaching breastfeeding and adequate complementary feeding to mothers in the Sikasso region.

Sikasso region is where the children experience chronic malnutrition at rates of approximately 35.4%. This is at odds with the fact that it is also one of the most agricultural productive areas of Mali. As the country's breadbasket it sells fruits, vegetables, meats and grains to other regions less fortunate.

Child malnutrition is in part the result of cultural practices and lack of education about nutrition and food sourcing. UNICEF and ASDAP are working to make changes at the local level by meeting with women regularly. Their first priority is discussion on nutrition during pregnancy and in the first years of life.